Iowa Governor Candidates Push Data Center Regulation

Democratic candidate Rob Sand and Republican candidate Zach Lahn both propose new rules for data centers in Iowa. They want to end tax breaks, require facilities to cover all costs including electricity, and protect the state’s water supply. Both emphasize local control and transparency about site plans, jobs, and energy use.

Lahn, speaking in Osage, said counties should retain permitting authority and opposed a state‑level moratorium. He argued that local officials are best positioned to set requirements and would sue the federal government if necessary. While he supports minimum standards such as no property‑tax abatements, he insists that permitting decisions remain at the county level.